Another Celica story Options

[Hezz]

So I decided recently to get a commuter that would be a bit more fun than my old 4WD. I looked at a few cars in the FWD hatchback/wagon category (Integra that was too rusted/nasty, Civic that was too wrecked, Escort that was too sedate), and finally decided to take a look at this Celica I saw on Craigslist.

I fell in love once I saw it, I have always liked Celicas, and my first car was a red two door 1972 Toyota Mark II that I remember fondly.

So, 2400 bones later I drive home a well used and abused '94 GT liftback with 145,380 miles. Following is what has happened since and what it cost.

Gauge lights are dead, 18$ at superbrightleds.com and they look great.

Timing belt has never been changed, so I have a local mechanic do the belt, idler, tensioner, water pump and accessory belts. 520$

Front end shakes like a drunk stripper under braking, did rotors and ceramic pads myself. 118$

Clunking noise in the rear, take to dealer for control arms and swaybar frame bushings, end up getting struts as well. 1235$ Some light noise back there still. I have an upper strut mount on the way, will do myself.

Using a slight amount of oil, replaced the (original) PCV valve, it was completely plugged, and after cleaning it out with solvent the spring had no tension. 5$ (Seems to be idling and running smoother now)

Picked up 25th anniversary seats from AMCmoe, waiting to install until I get the side stitching reinforced. 200$

Still needed: shift boot is trashed, e-brake boot missing, body plug missing in the back, and some trim clips. I seem to be missing a turbocharger as well ; )
Small dent in the drivers front fender, going to try one of those dent doctor guys, a few scratches and chips in the paint to touch up. Might look into a new throttle cable as I adjusted it all the way and still have a little play, and maybe new cables/bushings for the shifter as it is sloppy. Going to switch the tranny to synthetic fluid, may treat it and the engine with AutoRX to see how well that stuff works. Have NGK plugs and wires on the way as well.

First full tank through it returned 28.6 MPG, happy about that.

Anyway, not sure anyone here will find this interesting in the least, but it makes a handy spot for me to keep track of it. I have been scouring the forum here since the night I brought the car home, and I have already learned a great deal, so thank you to all those that posted up great info and pics.

[Hezz]

Did the upper strut mount tonight, old one was almost completely broken, you could twist the two halves about half an inch apart. 50$ at NAPA

Plugs and wires are on their way, going to pick up the cap and rotor from Toyota.

Have 3 quarts of Valvoline Synthetic 75w90 GL5 ready for the transaxle, maybe tomorrow. 20$

Bought a couple jugs of Supertech conventional 10w30 to use for my AutoRX clean and rinse cycles, Purolator filters. Will switch to Mobil 1 HM and Purolator PureOne afterward.

Also picked up a microfiber cloth and some Meguiars interior detail spray, will try to get her all cleaned up inside and out before I drive to Montana this weekend. Will take pics then.